The Edo State Police Command has arrested three suspected kidnappers, including a Nigerien national, during coordinated security operations across the state. Another suspect was killed after an armed confrontation with security operatives, while others fled with injuries. Authorities say investigations and search operations are ongoing.
Police spokesperson Eno Ikoedem disclosed the developments in a statement issued on Sunday, detailing a series of operations targeting kidnapping hotspots in Edo Central and surrounding communities. She said the crackdown followed intensified security deployments ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika.
Agbonika led a six-day operational assessment in Edo Central from February 16 to 22, 2026, where security strategies were reviewed and personnel redeployed. Forest areas around Ubiaja were subsequently identified as high-risk zones and placed under sustained surveillance.
On February 17 at about 6:00 pm, operatives attached to the Ubiaja Division arrested 28-year-old Suleman Harruna, a Nigerien national residing in Kaba, Kogi State. Police said the suspect had been on a wanted list and was identified by members of the Hausa/Fulani community as part of a kidnapping network.
Authorities confirmed that Harruna provided useful information and is assisting ongoing investigations.
In a separate operation on February 20 around 5:50 pm, security personnel arrested 25-year-old Ibrahim Kodo of Illushi Community. The operation was conducted jointly with the Nigerian Army.
Police said a kidnap victim identified Kodo as one of three armed men who abducted him from his farm on June 2, 2025.
Another suspect, 32-year-old Orsee Iorzaa of Omi Camp in Illushi, was apprehended on February 26 at about 9:00 am following intelligence-led surveillance. A victim reportedly identified him as a member of a five-man gang that carried out a home invasion and abduction on February 21, 2026.
Investigators are working to recover weapons and arrest other members of the syndicate.
In the latest operation on March 7 at about 8:25 am, police operatives, working alongside the Edo State Security Corps, launched a bush-combing exercise in the Onogholọ and Akwocha forests. Security teams encountered four armed suspects who opened fire during the operation.
Police said one suspect was killed in the exchange, while three others escaped into the forest with gunshot wounds. Recovered items included a single-barrel shotgun, a black face mask, two live cartridges, and two spent cartridges. Search efforts remain ongoing.
The Commissioner of Police commended officers of the Ubiaja Division for what he described as sustained operational effectiveness and professionalism.
The command urged residents to support security efforts by providing credible and timely information to law enforcement agencies. Emergency response and complaint channels remain open to the public.
In a related development, the Edo State Police Command confirmed the arrest of 65 suspected kidnappers during a raid in Aviele, Etsako West Local Government Area.
The operation, conducted on March 2 at about 2:45 am, led to the recovery of ₦1.85 million suspected to be ransom proceeds. Security personnel also seized Nigerian Army uniforms and other items linked to criminal activities following intelligence reports connecting the area to kidnapping operations.
